There are many reasons why families make visiting our parks an annual tradition; it may be the Southern-inspired service and smiles, or our wide range of accommodations that fit all budgets, assuring a comfortable night’s sleep for everyone. Add in our picnic shelters and group shelters, and you’ll have room for the whole gang.

Mother Nature plays an important role too, offering a canopy of stars and symphony of night songs to enhance campfire tales. Forests, mountains, rivers and lakes deliver the perfect mix of tranquility and activity to reconnect with loved ones. And with endless activities such as fishing, golfing, hiking, biking, playgrounds and paddling, your reunion will cater to everyone's interests.

Individual Accommodations – We know it can be tricky to find a location that fits everyone's budget and style. More than 40 state parks offer a variety of accommodations which each family member can reserve on their own. Choose from hotel-style lodge rooms, fully equipped cottages with kitchens, yurts, or modern campgrounds with hot showers. Our four state park lodges offer restaurants and meeting space as well

Group Shelters - Enclosed group shelters have tables and chairs for 50 to 250, kitchens, restrooms, heat and air conditioning, and adjacent parking. Many have large barbecue pits as well. Families are welcome to bring their own food and adorn the shelter with decorations.

Picnic Shelters – Open-air shelters include several picnic tables assembled under a single roof. Many have a barbecue pit or large grill as well, and some are near swimming areas. Parking and restrooms are nearby. Families are welcome to bring their own food and adorn the shelter with decorations.

Reunion Rooms -Sweetwater Creek and Panola Mountain state parks have small rooms for rent, holding approximately 45 guests. Both are in the metro-Atlanta area, with Sweetwater Creek to the west off I-20 in Lithia Springs and Panola Mountain to the southeast in Stockbridge. Park rangers can sometimes develop programs such as hikes, animal shows and archery lessons to make gatherings even more memorable. Panola Mountain also has a small kitchen available.

SAM Shortline Excursion Train – For a truly unique reunion, climb aboard this fun excursion train in southwest Georgia. Your family can rent just one car or the whole train. We’ve even partnered with www.travelata.org to customize packages and themes. The SAM Shortline travels from Georgia Veterans State Park to Americus, a telephone museum, downtown Plains and President Jimmy Carter’s boyhood farm.

Reynold’s Mansion on Sapelo Island – Small families looking for an island retreat will enjoy this plantation home set among moss-draped oaks. The historic home can accommodate 29 guests with 13 bedrooms and 11 baths, all brimming with turn-of-the century ambiance. The island has limited access by ferry only, providing complete privacy, and the pristine beach is just a short walk away. All meals are included.

Suwannee River Eco-Lodge - Just 18 miles from the famed Okefenokee Swamp, this secluded lodge is made up of eight cottages with 12 bedrooms (max. 40 guests). A conference room, smaller meeting room, BBQ shelter and commercial kitchen are included. Additional accommodations and activities can be found 18 miles away at Stephen C. Foster State Park.

Smithgall Woods – This elegant, private mountain retreat offers 17 bedrooms in six beautifully decorated cottages. Some have porches along a trophy-trout stream, while others have private hot tubs. Families can meet in the main house’s great room with fireplace or on the large stream-side deck. Be sure to bring your fly fishing equipment and hiking boots! Great shopping and dining is a short drive away in Helen.